The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the nominations of five Executive Director-nominees of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
They include: Francis Alabo Ogaree, Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installations and Transportation Infrastructure; and Dr. Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community.
Others were Mansur Kuliya, Executive Director, Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure; Bashir Sadiq, Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration; and Dr. Zainab Gobir, Executive Director, Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning.
Their confirmation followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Downstream Petroleum Sector.
The Chairman of the Committee on Downstream Petroleum Sector Committee, Senator Sabo Mohammed (Jigawa South-West) earlier stated that, the Upper Chamber of the Assembly explained that the President’s request was in accordance with the provisions of Section 34(3) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
President Muhammadu Buhari had in February, 8th 2022, requested for the confirmation of the nominees.
According to the lawmaker, the Act empowers the President to make appointments into the board of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) subject to the confirmation of the Senate for a period of five (5) years and may be reappointed for second term and no more.
Senator Mohammed said that the nominees while appearing before the Committee, responded to a wide range of questions regarding the Petroleum Industry and measures that should be taken to reposition the industry for the benefit of the Nigerian economy.
According to him, “The nominees responded to the questions asked In an intellectual; factual and convincing manner.
“They exhibited a high level understanding of the challenges, complexities and opportunities inherent in the Petroleum Industry.
“Their knowledge and experiences will be of great benefit to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the oil and gas sector in general”.
He disclosed that the Committee did not receive any petition against their nominations, adding that they were cleared by the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and posses the Code of Conduct Acknowledgment slips.
